Congolese authorities have transferred fifteen detainees to the M23 anti-government group, active in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC). This move represents a long-anticipated initial stride within the ongoing peace initiative, as confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday.
The statement issued by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) did not disclose specific details regarding the identities or roles of the individuals released.
For over three decades, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been a theatre of persistent conflict. Since 2021, the M23 has seized extensive territories across the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, reportedly backed by Rwanda and its military forces. In August 2024, Kinshasa issued death sentences to dozens of individuals, some in absentia, for their alleged affiliations with the M23.
A prisoner exchange framework was initially agreed upon in September 2025 in Doha, Qatar, between the Congolese government and the M23. However, this mechanism remained unexecuted until now due to unresolved disagreements between the factions. Following discussions held in Switzerland in April, both warring parties reiterated their commitment to releasing detainees.
Between Thursday and Friday, the ICRC played a crucial role in facilitating the transport of these fifteen individuals, ensuring their safe handover from Congolese authorities to the M23. This operation directly aligns with the Doha mechanism, which the parties endorsed in September 2025.
Given the ongoing Ebola epidemic affecting eastern RDC, the ICRC confirmed that the entire operation adhered strictly to all necessary disease prevention protocols.